Yesterday at New Scotland the Whiz Kids and Gray Cougars got together for a typically enjoyable 55+ game. While the Grays came out on top, 7-3, the Kids played well and, as is so often the case in this division, everyone was smiling at the end.
Let it now be told: the 55+ division is a blast. While the competition is usually fierce enough, the overall tone is decidedly relaxed and friendly. Honestly, playing in the 55s is almost TOO MUCH fun.
But make no mistake about it: it's still real baseball, everyone plays to win, and the adrenaline still flows copiously. We may be losing a step at this age, but no one's slowed down.
Take the performance of Whiz Kids manager Jim Porter, for example. He could have easily taken the safe, self-preservational approach on my soft liner to center by pulling up and fielding it on one bounce, but not our pal Jim: instead, he threw his lithe and powerful seven-foot, two-inch frame into a beautiful diving/sliding catch to rob me of single.
Luckily for the Cats, Jim Turner was able to return the favor in the next inning, when, with the tying run in scoring position, he retreated to the deepest part of center field to reel in a titanic shot launched by the very same Jim Porter. Be assured that Mr. Porter can still swing that 38-inch Louisville Slugger with the same authority he so consistently displayed in his younger days playing for the old 47+ Whiz Kids.
Gray Cougars pitchers Rich Frank and Frank Montagano held a gritty Whiz Kids offense to five hits. And Jim Wing and Harold Jenkins each had too hits for the ferocious felines. Anthony Torre had a pair of singles for the Kids.
And to top it all off, the same two teams get to do it one more time on Wednesday at Kinderhook Town Park. And, please, Jim Porter: try to be a bit more prudent out there in center--especially when I'm at bat.
Frank Mgr., Columbia-Greene Gray Cougars
-- Edited by Frank Montagano on Tuesday 21st of July 2009 05:56:02 PM
I love the way frank put it as the games are still competitive. Well said.
Now my question is does Mr. Porter really swing a 38 inch bat? Thats like swinging a tree trunk. I am not sure I can even hold in with 2 hands let alone try and swing it.
The Cougars did everything right- pitching, hitting, and fielding. Plus, they have the cutest cheering section of any team. Frank has assembled a great group of guys, and as he said, it's still competitive, but without the "edge" that can dampen an enjoyable evening. We will try to salvage the 3rd game of our season's series, and win or lose, I'm sure it will satisfying just to be able to play the game of baseball. By the way, I had to change to a 37 inch bat as a concession to Father Time. Jim Porter-Manager-WhizKids-55+ Division
My question is how much heavier is the 37 inch bat? I need to come and swing it just to get the feel. Maybe to swing it in batting practice with a guys throwing 50 I may be able to get it around. But to swing a 37 inch bat with a guy throwing 80 plus I am not sure.
